We just love hatchbacks.
1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus had a 2.2 litre Lotus engine linked to a 5-speed gearbox. It had an output of 150 BHP and accelerated from 0-60 in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 MPH. It had room for four passengers and with the rear seats folded down, it had an amazing 42.7 cubic feet of luggage space.
1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
While it doesn’t look it, you could fit a family of five, with luggage in the 1981 Fiat Panda and still get 35 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway. Creature comforts included tinted windows, a rear windscreen wiper, reclining seats which folded down into a double bed, head restraints, and a six year anti corrosion warranty. All for £2,995.
1981 Fiat Panda
1981 Fiat Panda
The 1981 Mazda GLC was conceived, engineered and built to be nothing less than the new state of the art in front-wheel-drive technology. Among its refinements was a more powerful yet more economical 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. Advanced 4-wheel independent suspension and a redesigned rack-and-pinion steering system which was alot of fun to drive. The shift was quick and positive and had one of the shortest turning radius around. The interior was one of the roomiest in its class, with reclining front bucket seats, split fold-down rear seat backs, electric rear window defroster and remote control driver’s door mirror. It offered an impressive 43 MPG highway and 35 MPG city. The GLC Custom had an MSRP of just $5,295.
1981 Mazda GLC
The 1985 front-wheel drive Renault Encore’s unique pedestal seats offered an extra degree of style and rear legroom giving it an amazing perspective on hatchback design. The fold-down rear seats was designed to extend the cargo space convenience. The Encore’s 4-wheel independent suspension with twin coaxial rear torsion bars and power front disc/rear drum brakes results in impressive performance and handling. Choice of engines included the optional 1.7 liter, for increased performance. Electronic fuel injection produced fuel ratings of 40 MPG highway and 34 MPG city. It was built in America and had an MSRP of $5959.
1985 Renault Encore
Renault logo
The 1980 Ford Escort MK3 came with either a 1300 OHC or 1600 OHC engine, both with single variable venturi carburetor, automatic choke and electronic ignition. It had 5″ x 13″ styled road wheels with 155/80 SR13 tires and came with halogen headlamps, heated rear window, self checking silicone chip controlled warning light system for front brake pad wear, low washer fluid, oil, coolant and fuel levels.
The interior had reclining front seats trimmed in “York” fabric. Center face level vents with warm air control, side window demisters, perforated headliner, front passenger grab handle, two grab handles in the rear incorporating coat hooks, passenger vanity mirror on sun visor, dipping rear view mirror, cigar lighter, two rear ashtrays, full door/rear quarter trim, front door stowage bins, three speed heater fan, glovebox with lock and document stowage, soft feel two-tone instrument panel, coin box, center console, Ford P21 push-button radio, two-speed wipers with intermittent wipe, load compartment carpet, trip recorder, Quartz clock, special gear shift gaiter and knob, color keyed ribbed carpet, driver’s lower parcel shelf, tilting rear package tray and four spoke soft feel steering wheel.
1980 Ford Escort MK3
1980 Ford Escort MK3 interior